Acts 17:18
Arabic Bible ERV 2009
فَبَدَأ بَعضُ الفَلاسِفَةِ الأبِيقُورِيِّيْنَ وَالرِّواقِيِّيْنَ يُجادِلُونَهُ، وَقالَ بَعضُهُمْ: «ما الَّذِي يُرِيدُ أنْ يَقُولَهُ هَذا الثَّرْثارُ؟» وَقالَ آخَرُونَ: «يَبدُو أنَّهُ يَتَكَلَّمُ عَنْ آلِهَةٍ غَرِيبَةٍ.» قالُوا هَذا لِأنَّهُ كانَ يُبَشِّرُ بِيَسُوعَ وَبِالقِيامَةِ.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse from Acts, some philosophers in Athens—Epicureans and Stoics—reacted to Paul's teachings about Jesus and the resurrection. Some mocked him as a babbler, while others thought he was introducing new gods.
Explained for Children
Imagine if you went into a classroom and started talking about something really different from what everyone else knew. Some kids might think you're just making up silly stories, but others might wonder if you're teaching them about new things they've never heard of before. That's kind of like what happened with Paul in this story.
Historical Background
The book of Acts was written by Luke, a companion of the apostle Paul, around 60-80 AD. It details Paul’s missionary journey to Athens where he encountered Greek philosophers who were curious but also skeptical about his teachings on Jesus and resurrection.
Living It Out Today
In today's context, this verse can remind us that when we talk about our beliefs with others, especially in a diverse environment like college campuses or the workplace, some people might not understand right away. We should be prepared to explain gently and with patience.
Topics
faithapologeticsresurrectionmissionary workdialoguephilosophy
Related Verses
Genesis 12:1-3Romans 10:9-15Acts 4:8-12John 6:68-691 Corinthians 15:12-20
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Epicureans and Stoics so skeptical about Paul’s teachings?
They were skeptical because their philosophical views did not include concepts like resurrection or a single, all-powerful God. Their reactions reflect how new ideas can be met with resistance.
What does 'strange gods' mean in this context?
'Strange gods' refers to the unfamiliar concept of Jesus and the idea of resurrection which were alien to the Epicureans and Stoics, thus they perceived Paul's teachings as introducing new deities.
How can we apply this verse to our conversations about faith today?
We can use it as a reminder to approach discussions with respect and clarity. Just like Paul, we should be prepared to explain our beliefs in ways that are meaningful to those who may not share the same background.
What was Luke's purpose in including this encounter between Paul and philosophers?
Luke likely included it to highlight how early Christian teachings stood out against prevailing philosophies of the time, demonstrating the unique message of Christianity even among educated skeptics.